§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the forthcoming changes in respect of eligibility for family credit; what steps were taken to advise recipients of the changes; and what estimate he has made of the likely average impact of the changes upon single parents. [33844]
§ Mr. Roger EvansFrom 2 July, family credit awards will terminate when the last remaining dependent child in a family leaves full-time, non-advanced education. We have written to all families who may be immediately affected and a further letter will be sent around 2 July to all such families to give information about the new rules. From 2 July, information will be included on award notices and on forms and leaflets.
Of me 287,000 lone parents who receive family credit, we estimate that under 4 per cent. will be affected by the change. The impact will depend on how many weeks of the 26-week family credit award remain when the child leaves school.